MEIGS COUNTY OHIO - BIOS: Rutland Township (Hardesty's published 1883) [1] *************************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. *************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Merry Anne Pierson tfsengnr@worldnet.att.net June 30, 1999 *************************************************************************** Biographies for Rutland Township, Meigs County , Ohio from Hardesty's Rev. Selah Hibbard Barrett- was born in Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio, February 24, 1822. He is of English descent, James Barrett, the first of the name in this country, coming to America from England, and settling in Massachusetts, in 1635. Sixth in descent from him was Selah, born in 1790, who married Sylvia Beeman, and with her settled in Meigs county in 1817. They were the parents of Selah H., and are now deceased, the father dying July 12, 1860, and the mother April 20, 1858. In Rutland village, September 2, 1860, the Rev. S.H.Barrett was joined in wedlock with Rebecca Ann, daughter of Hezekiah and Caroline Simms. She was born March 12, 1827, in Ohio county, now part of West Virginia. The union of Rev. and Mrs. Barrett has been blessed with the birth of one son and one daughter: Burton Selah, born August 24, 1861, lives in Rutland; Carrie Sylva, born September 5, 1866, lives at home. The subject of this sketch, having a thirst fro knowledge, and being unable to enter college, pursued a collegiate course of study under his own guidance, and a theological course in the same manner. October 14, 1838, he made a public profession of religion, and was baptized and received into the membership of the Free-will Baptist Church. In 1840, he began to write for the press. In 1841 he began teaching, which was discontinued on account of his health, and March 8, 1845, he was licensed to preach. A summary of his life to date shows 621,000 book pages published, 37 years of preaching, 32,000 miles traveled, and 5,000 meetings attended, in 17 states and Canada. In 1848 he was elected town clerk of Rutland, in 1870 appointed postmaster, and has served in each capacity to the present time. He is druggist, book seller, minister and author, and has published an autobiography of his life in detail, which should be in the hands of every young man and woman in America. It may be obtained by addressing him at Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. George Bean, M.D.- son of Archibald and Adaline H. Bean, who are now deceased, was born in Meigs county, Ohio, June 25, 1841. In Athens county, Ohio, march 15, 1866, George Bean was united in marriage with Celinda Jane Crouch, and they are the parents of : Lewis C., born December 9, 1866; Mary Addie, December 24, 1868; Frank A., June 18, 1871; Bertha E., November 4, 1872- all live at home. The wife of Mr. Bean was born in Meigs county, May 6, 1843, and is a daughter of Lewis and Lucinda (McKinstry) Crouch. Her father is no longer living. George Bean enlisted in Company B, 22nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, April 19, 1861, and served out time of enlistment, immediately reenlisting, August 12, 1862, as sergeant of Company I, 116th Ohio Infantry, and serving till close of war. He was in twenty- three battles, was wounded April 8, 1865, in a charge on a rebel fort near Petersburg, and was once a prisoner. He was captured June 14, 1863, in a retreat from Winchester, was sent to Libby prison, thence to Belle Isle, where he was paroled after six weeks' confinement. Dr. Bean is a graduate, February 23, 1876, of the Physio-Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, and he located at Rutland, October 10, 1877, where he now commands and satisfies the needs of a large and growing practice. His address is Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. H. Nelson Beckley- was born in Canaan township, Hartford county, Connecticut, September 22, 1812. When he was two years of age his parents, Jonathan and Sallie (Collins) Beckley, came to Ohio.They made their home in Athens county, among its pioneer settlers, and continued to reside there until their decease. In Athens county, July 4, 1834, H. Nelson Beckley and Pera Clutter spoke the words which joined in one their destinies, and in 1849 they became residents , with their little family, in Meigs county, Mr. Beckley engaging in agricultural pursuits in Rutland township. Mr. and Mrs. Beckley are the parents of six children, namely: Sarah Ann, Edward, William, J. M., Emma Jane and James Addison. Edward and William were soldiers of the civil war. Edward enlisted in Company H, 36th Ohio Infantry, August 12, 1861 and died of brain fever at Sommerville, West Virginia. William belonged to the 92nd Ohio Infantry, and was taken sick at Carthage, Tennessee, came home and died two weeks after his arrival. H. Nelson Beckley has been two terms a magistrate of Rutland township. His wife was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 29, 1813, and was a daughter of William and Sallie Clutter, who are no longer living. Mr. Beckley receives his mail at Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. Jabez Benedict- was born in Ostego county, New York, October 13, 1802, and was just one year of age on the day his parents became residents in Meigs county, Ohio. here he grew to manhood, engaged in agricultural pursuits, made the home of his married life, and reared his children. he was wedded in Athens county, Ohio, April 4, 1833, Miriam Chase, born in Kennebeck county, Maine, March 1, 1812, becoming his wife. Their children were eleven: Mary, born February 12, 1834, died same day; Clarissa, may 7, 1835, lives at home; William Spencer, August 7, 1837, died January 20, 1845; John Merrill, September 17, 1839, lives in Volcano, Wood county, West Virginia; Louisa, June 25, 1841, died November 24, 1854; George Wesley, July 21, 1843, lives in Rutland township; Miriam, September 6, 1845, lives in this township; William Jabez, June 21, 1847, died October 30, 1854; Charles Oscar, November 11, 1849, lives in this township; Emily, June 6, 1852, died December 5, 1854; Arthur Eldo, November 8, 1856, lives in Rutland township. Two sons, John M. and George W., were soldiers of the 1861 war. Both were in many engagements, and John reenlisted. At the battle of Nashville he was wounded in the knee at the beginning of the fight, and when the officer commanding the regiment was killed, he was placed on a horse and led the regiment until again severely wounded. Felix Benedict, father of Jabez, was taken , with his father, prisoner, by the British and Indians. He was taken to Canada, at the age of thirteen, and they were held prisoners for three years. He died in Meigs county, October 29, 1828. The mother of Jabez, Clarissa (Hubbell) Benedict, died July 9, 1849. John Merrill and Miriam (Murray ) Chase, parents of Mrs. Benedict, came to Athens county in November, 1815. She died, October 25, 1851, and his death followed hers , October 27, 1853. The members of the Benedict family living at home receive their mail at Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. Cyrus Braley- born in Kennebeck county, Maine, October 16, 1811, came to Meigs county, Ohio, in December , 1819, with his parents, Ebenezer and Dorcas (Savage) Braley. His father, coming here at that early date, and identifying himself with the interests of the county, is reckoned among its pioneer settlers. When Cyrus Braley reached manhood's estate he engaged in milling in Rutland township, of this county. In this township, he was first wedded, Mary Stansbury becoming his wife, July 3, 1838. She was born July 21, 1818, in what in now Jefferson county, West Virginia. The children of this marriage were born: Dorcas, June 7, 1839; Sarah, October 1, 1840; Ansel, August 26, 1842; Thomas, May 14, 1844; James, September 27, 1846; Ebenezer E., July 26, 1849; Benjamin S., September 28, 1851; Cary, July 28, 1854; Esther E. J., February 7, 1857; William A., March 16, 1859. In Rutland township, September 22, 1867, Cyrus Braley was united in marriage with Laura A. Smith, who was born Jul 1 , 1831. Of this wedlock two children were born: Ella E., December 12, 1868, and Levva, August 22, 1871. Cyrus Braley may be addressed at Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. Abel Chase- one of the substantial farming residents of Rutland township. Meigs county, Ohio, was born in this township, June 24, 1847. His father, Francis Chase, was one of the pioneers of this county, coming here in September, 1817, and his mother, whose maiden name was Louisa Knight, settled here in the same year , on the 1st of December. In Pomeroy, this State and county, February 9, 1876, the words were spoken which joined in one the lives of Abel Chase and Julia Skinner, and two daughters brighten the home their marriage founded. Emma Louise was born August 13, 1877, and Maud Gertrude was born November 21, 1881. David and Elizabeth (Burwell) Skinner, who came to Meigs county about 1817, were the parents of the wife of Abel Chase, and her birth was in Salisbury township, this county, the date of July 23, 1853. Alonzo L. and Harrison Chase, brothers of Abel, were soldiers of the 1861 war. Alonzo served in the 4th West Virginia Calvary, Company G, and when discharged at the expiration of term of enlistment, was fifth sergeant of the regiment. Harrison was a member of the same regiment, Company M, and after serving a short time was sent to hospital, where he died of quick consumption, April 7, 1864. Abel Chase was elected assessor in his township in 1875, reelected in 1878, and was census enumerator in 1880. His address is Rutland township, Meigs county, Ohio. John Merrill Chase- born in Meigs county, Ohio, September 4, 1831, is one of the farmer residents of Rutland township, where he is well known as one identified with the interests of his township. He has served as school director and road superintendent for Rutland, and in 1878 was elected township trustee, the duties of which office he is still discharging. In Rutland, October 31, 1852, he was joined in wedlock with Esther Winn, who was born in this township, November 15, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Chase are the parents of five children: Leslie, born July 20, 1853; Viola, June 14, 1857; Freeman, November 19, 1865; Herman, June 24, 1867; Clara, November 10, 1862, died February 26, 1863. The father of John M. Chase, Thomas Jefferson Chase, died February 1, 1879; his mother, Rebecca (Romine) Chase,died on Christmas Day, 1853. Jacob Armstrong Winn, who was the father of the wife of John M. Chase, died in this county, June 9, 1858. Her mother, whose maiden name was Julia Nobles, was a daughter of Shubal Nobles, who came to Rutland township among its pioneer settlers in 1804, bringing this daughter with him. March 25, 1864, John M. Chase enlisted in Company H, 36th Ohio Infantry, and he received discharge May 25, 1865. During his service he was in many severe engagements, was on the Lynchburg- Newbern raid, and was wounded through the left lung at Berrysville, Virginia, September 3, 1864. His address is Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. Arthur Marion Dunn- son of Arthur and Sebina (Mitchell) Dunn, was born in Noble county, Ohio, October 28, 1845. He was married in the county of his nativity, June 2, 1871, and in the same year he took up his residence among the people of Meigs county, Ohio. Isabella, daughter of Hilea and Rebecca (Hunt) Fowler, who on the date recorded became his wife, was born in Noble county, June 18, 1849. One son and two daughters have blessed the wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn: Rosa Belle, born March 17, 1872; William Maynard, April 8, 1874; Nellie Maude, October 20, 1878. During the war between the States, Arthur M. Dunn served three months as a member of the 161st Ohio Infantry. He is by profession a teacher, and is now acting as route agent in the mail service on the Baltimore & Ohio and the Marietta & Cincinnati roads, between Grafton, West Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio. He may be addressed at Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. Nathan Entsminger - farmer, stock - raiser and lime- burner of Meigs county, Ohio, Rutland township, was born in this county, October 10, 1836. here he was married, September 13, 1866, Mary Newman uniting with him in wedlock whose children are seven; Alfred Elmont, born July 24, 1867; Leona Leota, January 12, 1868; Lewis Elbert, September 12, 1870; Charley Howard, July 28, 1873; Downie Lester, December 22, 1874; Gertie Belle, November 6. 1877; Annie Jeannette, August 20, 1880. John and Ann (Bunton) Newman, who became residents in Meigs county in 1856, are the parents of Mrs. Entsminger, and her birth was in Venango county, Pennsylvania, the date of January 21, 1847. John Entsminger, grandfather of Nathan, was one of the early settlers of Gallia county, and was noted as a great Indian fighter. He was also a soldier of the Revolution. David and Elizabeth (Gross) Entsminger were the parents of Nathan. His father, born November 7, 1792, died October 24, 1858. His mother, who was born October 16, 1800, died may 22, 1880. Nathan Entsminger served in the last year of the civil war as a member of the 140th Ohio National Guards. He had one brother, Asher, who was three years in the service, a member of the 7th Ohio Calvary. Langsville, Meigs county, is the post office address of Nathan Entsminger. Edward H. Grimes-was born in Gallia county, Ohio, November 27, 1818, but in about 1824 or 1825 his parents, Felix and Nancy (Zim) Grimes, took up their residence in Meigs county. Here Edward H. Grimes grew to manhood, and here he married, Almira Giles becoming his wife November 19, 1840. She was born in Salisbury township, Meigs county, may 5, 1822, and her parents were John S. and Betsey (Smith) Giles.The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Grimes is: Emily R.,, born march 30, 1843, lives in this township; John S., January 17, 1845, killed November 25, 1863; Andrew J., January 1, 1847, lives in Gague county, Nebraska; Jehiel F., April 14, 1851, died March 26, 1879; Royal E., March 10, 1853, lives in this township; James N., April 10, 1855, lives in Phillips county, Kansas; Charles W., March 17, 1857, deceased; Mary E., September 23, 1859; George C., December 5, 1862; Edward H. , jr., January 19, 1864- the last three living in Rutland township. Edward H. Grimes was a soldier in the Federal army, during the war of 1861. He entered the service August 12, 1861, in Company H, 36th Ohio Infantry, for three years, and was engaged in the battles of Lewisburg, Rappahannock, South Mountain, Antietam, Fort Donelson, Hoovers Gap, Chickamauga, Winchester, Peach Creek, Mission Ridge, and numerous smaller engagements. At Mission Ridge he was severely wounded, a ball striking his knapsack and breaking his left shoulder, and giving him internal injuries. He was promoted from private to corporal, then to sergeant, receiving discharge March 17, 1865. John S. Grimes, the oldest son, enlisted in the same company with his father, and was in all the battles of the regiment until Mission Ridge, where his arm was shot off and he bled to death. Edward H. Grimes is a farmer, and stone and brick mason. His address, Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. Milo H. Higley- is a grandson of the first settler in Rutland township, Meigs county, Ohio, and he was born in this township, November 18, 1832. His wife, whom he wedded in this county, June 17, 1855, was born in Buckingham county, Virginia, April 28, 1832. She was Mary V., daughter of James and Mary (Agee) Pankey, and has lost both her parents by death, her father dying in 1868, and her mother on the 2nd day of September , 1855. Five children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Higley: James L., November 15, 1856; Kate and Edward, September 28, 1862; Adella, December 19, 1868, died June 12, 1869; Bert, January 2, 1872- the living children are at home. Sardine Higley, brother of Milo, enlisted February 23, 1862, in the 7th Ohio Battery, and was engaged in all battles of that command, until in June, 1863, he was taken ill and came home on furlough. Returning to duty too soon, he suffered a relapse, and again started for home, but was obliged to stop on the way. He stopped with a sister, whose home was opposite Portsmouth, Ohio, and there he died. Brewster Higley, referred to as the first settler of this township, was the grandfather of Milo, and the father of Milo was Lucius Higley, who served as an ensign of the 7th Company, 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division of the State Militia, that being the first company organized in this township. He died August 3 , 1881. The mother of Milo, whose maiden name was Nancy Sheperd, died in 1861. The Higley family, all over the United States, are related, and Milo J Higley has in his possession a compass used by a seaman, one John Higley, over 200 years ago. Milo Higley is engaged in farming, and may be addressed at Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. Ira Wakeman Hooper- son of William and Lucy Priscilla (Higley) Hooper, was born in Rutland township, Meigs county, Ohio, September 30, 1848. Here his wedded life began, February 11, 1873, Rev. S.H.Barrett joining him in marriage bands with Winnie Alice Barton. In the home established by this marriage two little daughters have been born: Ora Edith, June 14, 1876; and Dora Ethel, August 11, 1878. The wife of Mr. Hooper was born in Morgan township, Gallia county, Ohio, August 31, 1855, a daughter of Austin and Winnifred (Grate) Barton. Her father was born November 16, 1809, and her mother on the 17th of May, 1814. Their marriage was consummated June 21, 1832, and they came to Gallia county, Ohio, in 1838, and to Meigs county in 1844. After residing for some time in Meigs they returned to Gallia county, but in 1866 they again took up their residence in Meigs county. William Hooper, father of Ira W., was born December 2, 1818, in Mercer county, New Jersey. He became a member of the Freewill Baptist Church at an early age, and in 1843 he was ordained to the work of ministry. He afterwards studied medicine, and took his degree as a physician at the Columbus (Ohio) Medical College, March 3, 1857. November 17, 1841, he married Lucy P. Higley, who was born February 7, 1818. His death was on the 21st of March, 1877, and his widow died on the 4th of October, of the same year. Ira W. Hooper is prosperously engaged in farming, and may be addressed at Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. William W. Hubbell- is a native of Meigs county, Ohio,born in Rutland township, October 20, 1821. he was twice married in this township, and wedded with his first wife, Olive Rightmire, in 1847. Their children were born: Georgianna C., September 10,1848; Viola N. , August 1, 1853; Leonora, October 1, 1861. These three daughters live in Meigs county, the oldest in Salem township, and the others in Rutland. December 24, 1869, Mr. Hubbell was united in marriage with Caroline Boice, and they have one daughter, Lelia N., born February 27, 1872, lives at home. Mrs. Hubbell was born in Gallia county, Ohio, August 31, 1838, a daughter of Robert and Mary Ann (Vance ) Boice. Her father, a Pennsylvanian by birth, died in Gallia county, in 1851, and her mother who was born in Virginia, again married, and makes her home still in Gallia county. The parents of William Hubbell were Abijah and Lucretia (Merrill) Hubbell, and his father was a son of Abijah Hubbell, sr., who came to Meigs county from Ostego county, New York, in 1801.He was the first person to bore for salt water and make salt in this county, and he was the first merchant of Rutland township.He was a soldier of 1776, and died July 18, 1841. William W. Hubbell's grandfather Merrill was the first one who succeeded in running a steamboat from Marietta, Ohio, to New Orleans, and thence to New York. Abijah Hubbell, jr., father of William W., born in Ostego county, New York, came to Meigs county in his infancy, and his mother was born in Newburyport, Essex county, Massachusetts, and came to the county at a very early day, with her father, Captain James Merrill. Both his parents were members of the Christian Church, joining early in life. His father was a soldier of 1812, and in later years was a minister in the Christian faith. he moved to Delaware county, Iowa, where his wife died February 15, 1863, and he died November 2, 1863. William W. Hubbell was a member of the 140th Ohio Guards, serving in 1864 in the Kanawha valley. He made the overland trip to California in 1850, returning by way of Nicaragua, Central America, and New York, by steamship, from there home by rail and water. In 1859 he made a trip to Pikes Peak , Colorado. In early life he was extensively engaged in the manufacture of weavers reeds, and for the last twenty-five years he has devoted his entire life and energy to horticulture, and is now the most extensive and successful fruit grower in the county. His address is Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. Oren Branch Hugg: son of Lemuel and Lucinda (Stedman) Hugg, was born in Rutland township, Meigs county, Ohio, May 12, 1850. His wife is Emma Eliza, daughter of Sylvanus and Mary (Bradbury) Powell, and she was born in Steubenville, Jefferson county, Ohio, January 24, 1853. Rev. S.H. Barrett spoke the words which joined in one the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Hugg, in Rutland township, December 22, 1872, and in the years that have followed their children have been born: Ola Blanch, August 14, 1873; Myrta Aurilla, March 9, 1877; Mary Genevieve, September 4, 1878;Leonard P., December 17, 1882, died February 26, 1873. The father of Mr. Hugg came to Meigs county in 1812 from Tioga county, New York. He was one year resident of South Town, Athens county, Ohio, after which he took up his residence in Chester township, this county. His wife, the mother of Oren B., was born in this county, a daughter of Rev. Eli Stedman, who came to the county in 1804, the first Free-will Baptist clergyman in the county and the State of Ohio. Oren B. Hugg is largely engaged in the mercantile business, and since 1881 has held appointment as postmaster at Langsville, Meigs county, Ohio. George W. Jackson- son of Blackwell and Ruth E. Jackson, was born in Pocahontas county, Virginia, September 17, 1846. In 1866 he became a resident of Meigs county, Ohio, and in this county he was wedded the following year , on the 15th of September, 1867. The wife of his choice was a native of Meigs county, Luana M. Holt, born June 30, 1842. She was a daughter of Charles M. and Maria E. (Thompson) Holt. Her mother came to Meigs county in 1836; her father died in this county, October 1, 1866. One daughter was born in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, August 22, 1868, whom they named Mabel E. George W. Jackson is one of the prosperous merchants of Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio and may be there addressed. George V. Lasher- born in Meigs county, Ohio, July 22, 1836, has passed his life in this county, engaged in the pursuits of agriculture, principally farming and stock-raising. His land lies in Rutland township, where he has made the home of his wedded life, and he has served his township as trustee several terms, as infirmary director, 1875-7, and for two terms has been magistrate, and continues to hold that office. His marriage was consummated in Rutland township, July 25, 1`858, and one son has been born of it: Charles E., whose birth was on the 3rd of July, 1864. The wife whom Mr. lasher chose was Sarah, daughter of Israel and Eliza W. (Hawkins) Stansbury, and she was born in this township, October 30, 1836. Her parents came to this county in 1835, and here her mother died August 27, 1871. John V. Lasher, father of George V., died April 9, 1882, and his mother , whose maiden name was Catherine Martin, died October 28, 1864. George V. Lasher's post office address is Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio. 65. John S. Grimes, the oldest = son, enlisted in the same company